The Alliance of Citizens for Change (A.C.C.) says the killing of a sitting councillor and a former councillor within such a short period cannot be treated as routine criminal activity, and the situation in Knysna requires urgent and coordinated intervention by the State.
Former Knysna Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa (48), a sitting Ward 8 councillor for the ANC, was shot multiple times while driving down Ngxalo Street in Joodsekamp, Knysna, with three other men on Wednesday evening. One of his companions was shot in the arm.
Then, just 24 hours later, on Thursday evening, former Knysna Ward 7 councillor Mandla Matiwane (47) and Mandla Tyololo (48), the secretary of the local taxi forum were shot and killed in a vehicle in Bongani.
The Alliance of Citizens for Change leader, Masizole Mnqasela, has called on the acting Minister of Police, the National Commissioner of SAPS, and the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner to immediately deploy the Political Killings Task Team to Knysna.
“It is essential that law enforcement acts without delay to prevent further loss of life involving councillors, candidates, political activists, and community leaders. While the exact motives for these killings must be determined through a full investigation, the timing and the political backgrounds of the victims require focused attention. All possible lines of inquiry, including political or factional motives, must be thoroughly examined,” said Mnqasela.
Mnqasela added that as South Africa approaches the Local Government Elections, the party emphasises that political violence must not be allowed to develop in Knysna or any other part of the country.
“Electoral competition must remain peaceful and be conducted through democratic processes. The A.C.C. further calls on law enforcement authorities to act swiftly to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for these killings, including any individuals who may have planned or directed them. We also call for strengthened intelligence operations, increased visible policing, and appropriate protective measures for individuals who may be at risk. The A.C.C. reiterates its position supporting the reinstatement of the death penalty for individuals convicted of murder, as part of broader efforts to address violent crime,” he said.
Photo: Masizole Mnqasela
